Inter Miami squandered a 2-0 lead against Palmeiras to settle for a 2-2 draw, relinquishing top spot in Group A to the Brazilians
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The Herons will face PSG nextTadeo Allende and Luis Suárez scored for Inter MiamiInter Miami and PSG will play on Sunday at Mercedes‑Benz StadiumWatch every FIFA Club World Cup game free on DAZNStream nowGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
Inter Miami surrendered a 2-0 lead against Palmeiras in their final Club World Cup group-stage match, finishing second in Group A with five points. As a result, they will now take on PSG in the knockout round. While manager Javier Mascherano was frustrated by dropping two points, he's excited by the challenge of facing – this year's UEFA Champions League winners.
“Unfortunately, we had the game in our hands and it slipped away. We couldn’t maintain the intensity until the final whistle against a team with real quality and depth. Overall, the squad showed they belong here. Before the tournament, we were practically the underdogs, but with discipline, fight- and above all, football – we overcame obstacles, grew as a team, and now we’re in the quarterfinals.”
He added, “This level of competition isn’t something we regularly encounter in our domestic league. We’ve shown we have no complexes. It’s been a huge learning experience, and we have rightfully earned the privilege to play the European champions. We’ll strive to match them, but at the end of the day, it’s still 11 against 11.”
AdvertisementAFPTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Lionel Messi played for PSG for two seasons between 2021-23, where the Argentine lifted two Ligue 1 trophies. Despite his domestic success, the Argentine never acclimated to life in France and has been public about his displeasure during his time with the club.
"I went through two years which I didn't enjoy. I wasn't happy on a daily basis, with the trainings and the matches, I had a hard time adapting to all that," Messi told Apple TV.
Now Messi will have a chance to send a message to that same club.
AFPWHAT TADEO ALLENDE AND JORDI ALBA SAID
“We’re a bit bitter about the result. We played a very solid match – disciplined, well-organized. We felt great with the ball, managing the tempo at a very high pace, using possession to rest. That’s football, sometimes luck isn’t on your side. But we’ll hold our heads high – we’re doing well," Tadeo Allende said after the match.
He also praised Lionel Messi, who turns 38 this Tuesday and left the pitch slightly disappointed with the draw against Palmeiras.
“Leo just keeps getting better. What he does with the ball is insane. He turns 38 tomorrow, but he still has plenty left in the tank," he said.
Looking ahead to the Round of 16 clash with PSG, Allende added: “Now we prepare for a very tough opponent. It’ll be a great experience, and we’re going to face it the best way possible. We’re going out there to compete.”
Jordi Alba acknowledged that they let the win slip away, although he hopes to pull off an upset against PSG.
"The game slipped away from us, and I always want to win," said the Spanish defender after Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw against Palmeiras. "A match like that can't get away – not at this level. We faced a great team, but we have to stay more focused and avoid those mistakes. Still, I’m proud of the team, the club, and our fans. Now it's time to focus on the Round of 16 against the best team in Europe. Hopefully, we can come away with the win."
AFPWHAT NEXT FOR INTER MIAMI?
will face PSG next Sunday at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, aiming to pull off an upset and advance to the quarterfinals.